July usually kicks off the Christmas crafting season (in retail anyway). So...I was thinking it would be a good time for a Christmas in July Stash Busting Swap! Why? Because it's always nice to get help filling our gift crafting lists. As crafters, most of us enjoy giving handmade gifts. We also usually have a few more craft supplies around the house than we'd like to admit. Items would be crafted from supplies that you currently have in your possession. The only exception being basic consumables like glue, thread etc... If you are a spoiler, please spoil with handmade extras. No store-bought extras, please, as this will be a stash busting swap. You will be crafting items to help your partner stuff stockings, fill their gift list or, get a head start making their holiday decor.

I love this idea! We are having a totally handmade christmas this year, and I'd love all the help I can get! I don't know if I'll have a spot open that quick though...could we wait a week or two? (or have a longish sign up period?)

Yes, the crafted items could be for your partner to give as Christmas gifts. The Christmas in July aspect of the swap is to give swappers a chance to receive handmade items that they can give as gifts, stuff stockings with or use to decorate for the holidays. If you would like to swap for items to keep for yourself that is great too. It will be totally up to the partner's to decide what, how much and for whom to craft.

The swap would not be strictly limited to making gifts for Christmas though. I just thought the Christmas in July theme might give swappers a chance to get a head start on their holiday crafting. The main object of the swap is to use items from your stash. I know that not everyone celebrates Christmas but, still might like to do some crafty stash busting. The swap would also probably be limited to North America to keep shipping costs reasonable. Unless, there is enough interest from overseas swappers that live in the same country that could be paired.

I love this idea! We are having a totally handmade christmas this year, and I'd love all the help I can get! I don't know if I'll have a spot open that quick though...could we wait a week or two? (or have a longish sign up period?)

What time frame would be best? Maybe extend sign-ups to run through 06/20 and change send by date to July 31?